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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

Thrive Art District in Fort Lauderdale hosts a monthly (or so) Art Walk with art exhibits, food trucks and vendors. Entertainment is featured at the event.  Art Walks in 2025 include: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, December 27. The event will include entertainment by the School of Rock band, arts and crafts vendors, food and …

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If you appreciate frugal excursions, plenty of entertaining events, attractions and interesting activities in Broward are ideal for a delightful date. Some are free, others are relatively inexpensive. Make the most of it. With extra dollars in your wallet, splurge on sparkling wine, a fancy dessert, or other romantic indulgence. We also have a list …

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Delight in the glistening Winterfest Boat Parade from your sofa.  Replays of the 2025 holiday extravaganza are offered online and on television.  The parade of bedazzled boats on the Intracoastal Waterway, which occurs earlier in December, is among the highlights of the holidays in Broward.  Replays of Winterfest Boat Parade on TV and online YouTube …

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Inflatables, DJ entertainment and a wide array of public safety vehicles are included at Weston Winter Safety Expo. The event is ideal for families with an emphasis on interacting with fire and law enforcement personnel and their equipment, including boats. trucks, and a helicopter. Entry is free. Food and drinks are offered for purchase.  The …

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Grab some food. Delight in the live entertainment.  Taste of Dania is 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 10, and entry and parking are free.  Taste of Dania Beach offers food and beverages for purchase.  The event includes games, face painting, and entertainment.  Tasting Tickets Tasting tickets offer access to nibbles from a selection of …

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For folks who sign up for the free Family rewards program at Ikea, participating restaurants in the home goods stores offer deals. Some deals require the Family rewards ID, others do not.  Ikea restaurant deals include: Kids eat free Kids eat free in December with purchase of an adult entree. Valid for 1 or 2 …

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If you’re looking to soak  in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes. Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural …

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Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale & Pompano Beach, and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online. Discount opportunities are offered.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels to travel from place …

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Library branches in Broward occasionally feature free entertaining events including live performances, yoga, and festivals. Holiday events include shows, DIY projects and photo ops.  Some events are for kids and families. Others are aimed at adults. At plenty of library branches, parking is free. Featured events in 2025 Holiday Jazz Emily Kennedy on trumpet and …

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With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment and lively events are featured at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Featured Events Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through December. The schedule includes: Dec. 19: …

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If you appreciate taking your own interesting holiday photos, South Florida offers some wonderful, whimsical, and festive displays. Adorable selfies. Pose with pals. Broward, Dade and greater Palm Beach offer lots of opportunities  for impressive Instagramable pictures. Plenty of places and events with holiday decor are free.   Snow in Dania Dania Pointe shopping and …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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